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Loxsom earns Big Ten Athlete of the Week after record-setting run

February 1, 2013

Loxsom earns Big Ten Athlete of the Week after record-setting run

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Senior Casimir Loxsom garnered Big Ten Athlete of the Week honors for the second time this season on Monday, following his record-setting performance in the 600 meters at the Penn State National last Saturday. Loxsom posted a sizzling 1:15.79 over three laps, setting new Penn State and Ashenfelter III facility records, as well as an American Collegiate Record in the event.

Loxsom already has his name on the record books in the event, as the New Haven, Conn, native ran 1:16.92 as a freshman in 2010, setting the World Junior (19-and-Under) Record. Saturday's performance was another bullet on Loxsom's resume, as he bettered the previous American collegiate best of 1:15.86, set by Big Ten rival and standout Minnesota athlete Harun Abda in 2012.

Coincidentally, the senior's performance came just a few hours too late to overtake the American Record, as Duane Solomon ran 1:15.70 to break the American Record as a part of the British Athletics Glasgow International Match in Glasgow, Scotland on Saturday afternoon. Both athletes bested the former record of 1:15.80, set by Chip Jenkins in 1987.

The Nittany Lion standout now stands as the second-fastest American in the event, while his performance is the eighth fastest in the all-time world standings.

Loxsom - a four-time USTFCCCA First Team All-American - has been on a roll this season, as the senior leads the NCAA in both the 600 and 800, having run a world-leading 1:46.98 at the Nittany Lion Challenge earlier this month. The senior was also named Big Ten Athlete of the Week following his half-mile effort, and went on to win USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week honors that same week.

Loxsom and the Nittany Lions are set for their final home appearance of the indoor season this weekend, hosting the Sykes & Sabock Challenge Cup at Ashenfelter III Indoor Track.